The Apple of His Eye
Psalm 17:8 TLV

As Americans we like nice pretty stories with happy endings and everyone making nice. In studying the Bible from a Jewish perspective, the last several years, I’ve learned that they are a very direct people. Maybe they come to realize that they don’t have time for fluff because someone is always trying to kill them. Whatever the reason, they appear to say exactly what they mean; sentimentality or protecting someone’s feelings generally takes a back seat to truth.

While pretty much all of our Christian English Bibles translate this verse as keep me as the apple of Your eye, the original language appears to have a very different meaning. My first exposure to this verse suggested that someone is cherished above others. The phrase often conveys a sense of pride and endearment. While this concept is outlined in Scripture that God is proud of me and that I hold a very special place in His heart, I think King David was being more direct when he writes: Protect me like the pupil of the eye. Hide me in the shadow of Your wings…

I believe David was asking God to guard Him as He would a very delicate and intrical part of His own body, in part because the very rest of the Psalm speaks of protection. A warrior King couldn’t afford to be seen as weak or feeble. Losing an eye would leave him at a great disadvantage. So much so that others might see this as an opportunity to kill him and seize control of the kingdom or disband his rebels.

I called upon You, O God,
    for You will answer me.
Incline Your ear to me,
    hear my speech.
Be wonderful with Your lovingkindness,
O Savior of those taking refuge at Your right hand
from those rising up against them.
Protect me like the pupil of the eye.
Hide me in the shadow of Your wings,
from the wicked who attack me—
my enemies, who surround me.

David was in dire straits. He was hard pressed on every side. He was exposed to his enemies and his life was at stake, yet he knew exactly where his safety lies. He was confident that God would answer him when he says, I have called upon You, for You, O God, will answer me. There doesn’t seem to be uncertainty. Oh, that I had that kind of faith – all the time!

Reading other of David’s writings, we know that He was not always so exemplary in His actions or speech, but for some reason he always knew God would keep His promises and have his back. Can I say that? Can I say that no matter what I’ve done God will always come to my rescue, will always fight for me? The truth, of course, is no. I don’t think any of us can honestly claim to be filled with that level of faith all the time. I don’t even believe David believed it, but He does appear he wanted to. That’s the key for me. The father who says, “I choose to believe, Lord, Help my unbelief.”

Lord, today as I walk through the valley of the shadow of doubt, please hear my heart’s cry. I choose to believe that You love me and care deeply for me. I choose to believe that you have only good things in mind when you think of me. I choose also to believe that You will protect me as if I was the very pupil of Your eye, an extremely delicate, vulnerable and dear part of Your innermost body. As I have been grafted into Your body of believers, O’ too, let me believe that I am part of Your Physical make up and You will honor and protect me, the very apple of Your eye.